European Tour - 143rd OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2014 European Tour RORY MCILROY WINS 143RD OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Captures third major Winning score of 271 (-17) Closing 71 to win by two from Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler Join the conversation using #ETLIVEBLOG By Dave Clark, Adrian Millerick and Roddy Williams at Hoylake 19:17 Well, that's it from us now at the end of a simply magnificent Open Championship. The Live Blog will be back in the near future but until then, we'll leave you with one more pic of the man of the moment.... Rory McIlroy - 2014 Open Champion 19:04 And how about a word from the man who was with Rory every step of the way - his caddie JP Fitzgerald. 19:02 We also hear from Rory McIlroy's countryman Graeme McDowell as he gives his reaction to Rory's victory. 18:55 Full credit to Sergio Garcia as he finished joint runner-up with Rickie Fowler and let's hear what he had to say.

18:51 DAY 4 IN NUMBERS: 3 – players to have won three majors at the age of 25 – Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and now Rory 12 – under par for McIlroy on the back nine this week – no other player played the closing holes better 10 – under par for Sergio Garcia on the front nine. The best total in the field.

7 – was the hardest hole on the course, the par four averaging 4.366 12 – under for McIlroy on the par fives this week, where his length from the tee helped greatly 23 - most birdies this week from Rickie Fowler 6 – over par for Tiger Woods in the opening two holes at Royal Liverpool throughout the week 10 – the easiest hole at Royal Liverpool, averaging just 4.578 68 – four under par finish for five-time Open Champion Tom Watson on Sunday 22 – putts for Koumei Oda on his way to a final round 67 368 – longest drive of the week from powerhouse Dustin Johnson at the 16th today 18:15 Indeed Greg Fortune, Fowler’s performances in the majors of late have been exciting. And Sergio seems like a much happier performer nowadays. If both can stay steady, then you’d think their time will come. And then who knows from there? Once you win one, everything gets easier, or so they say. Just look at the man holding the Claret Jug right now. 18:15 Rory, Rickie, Sergio majestic talent.

Thanks for a great Open. Hope you all continue to win Majors. @SkySportsGolf @EuropeanTour — greg fortune (@greg fortune) 20/07/2014 20:07 18:05 What a day it’s been for McIlroy. He’s going to be the man in the spotlight over the next few weeks and comparisons with Tiger’s career will only continue. A move from eighth up to second in the Official World Golf Rankings will be the icing on the cake for Rory. 17:53 Rory’s win has also brought up the 100th Irish victory overall in European Tour history since 1972, with 52 of those being for Northern Ireland and 48 for the Republic of Ireland. McIlroy's final total was 271 after shooting 66-66-68-71. 17:48 They don’t mess about with these presentations do they?! Good to see if you ask me as Garcia and Fowler pick up their prizes after finishing in a tie for second. And now it’s over to Rory, who composes himself before delivering a mature and impressive winner’s speech.

Much like his golf this week then. Although the 25 year old does draw a few boos by mentioning he’s a Manchester United fan, but recovers well – it’s all in the name of banter anyway. Rory McIlroy becomes the first Northern Irishman to win three Major titles as he claims The Open Championship by two shots at Royal Liverpool. 17:40 As the presentation gets under way down by the 18thgreen, we should take a moment to praise the fans at Royal Liverpool, who’ve passionately supported all the players throughout what’s been a fine week. The occasion got the better of one or two towards the end there, but apart from that, it was wonderful to see so many fans of all ages enjoying some world class golf. A quick look at a few stats now and it’s interesting to see Rickie Fowler finished with the most birdies this week – 23. McIlroy was tied first for the par fives, having played them in 12 under par. Rory was also the back nine champion, having played the closing holes in the same number. Sergio was a beast one the front nine meanwhile, playing it in ten under.

RORY MCILROY FACTFILE 17:35 Not only does Rory have the prestigious Claret Jug, but he has the honour of joining golfing greats Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as the only men to have won three major titles by the age of 25. Wow. Anyone who thought today was a foregone conclusion was mistaken. McIlroy had to really dig deep there. And what a good advert the top three are for the game of golf. Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia, who both finished on 15 under par for the Championship, found time to congratulate McIlroy. The Spaniard dishing out a big hug down by the scorers hut. Some European camaraderie there. 17:31 RT @EuropeanTour: @McIlroyRory taps in for a par on the last and he's the Open Champion 2014! Congratulations Rors for Major No.3. #TheOpen — Gary Player (@Gary Player) 20/07/2014 19:28 17:27 He's got three putts for it, but only needs two.

A brilliant wire-to-wire victory for McIlroy, who held off assaults on all fronts as several of the world's best players came at him with birdies and eagles left, right and centre during the final round. The 25 year old is a Masters Tournament victory away from the career grand slam. Roddy and Adrian are on hand to bring you all the reaction from a remarkable final day at Royal Liverpool... 17:26 The British Open Championship 2014: live - Telegraph - Tiger Woods is struggling to make Ryder Cup selection RORY McILROY WINS THE OPEN BY TWO SHOTS 18.30 So he's done it. A brave front-running display from Rory, and there were one or two nerves when he bogeyed five and six but he dusted himself down and pressed on. He began the day six shots clear and the chasing pack made him work damn hard. As you can see from this final leaderboard, there was some serious scoring from the men on his tail. Sergio especially came with a mighty charge but, with the sober hat on, it never really felt like Rory was in that much trouble. His brilliant rounds came earlier in the Championship. "Today wasn't easy.

I just needed to stay in the present. To have three of the four legs of the career grand slam at 25 feels pretty good. I always felt that I had the cushion. here was always holes where I felt that I could make birdie, 16 especially and that was the one that did it for me. I hope the bet my dad made still stands!" Here's to that. What a fine performance, and a worthy champion. Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler tie for runner-up, they gave it there all. Thanks very much for following the blog with us. Cheers. 18.27 So Rory has three putts... First one just misses... But the second, from just few inches, does not. RORY McILROY IS THE OPEN CHAMPION 18.24 Rickie Fowler has a long eagle putt to take second-place outright. Just wide. He makes the birdie putt though, cards a 67 and will share second place with Sergio Garcia on 15 under. 18.22 Rory is in the bunker on the 18th but it shouldn't be fatal. He's got a decent lie.

He has a proper go at it and it races towards the hole. Close! That would have been insane. What confidence. He could have just splashed it out, but no. 18.20 So Rory plays his second. Nice and steady now. Oh no! He's hit it in the bunker to the right of the green. Dear me. 18.18 Sergio has a chance for an eagle three. He's going to end up with a par four. Finishes with a round of 66 and is 15-under. Six under today and a brilliant round but the bunker on 15 was a killer. Dustin Johnson has a sad finish, a double bogey as a result of the tee shot out of bounds. Ends with a 72 and has dropped a long way back. 18.15 Rory walks up the 18th. He's got quite the entourage. 18.13 Okay then. Rory on the 18th. He has a lead of three shots. He has the 2 iron in the hand and really he just needs something solid and simple. Yes, that's the ticket. Down the middle.

18.12 Sergio slams it out of the rough and he is onto the green in two. Really needs to eagle this and then hope for the best. Or, rather, the worst for Rory. 18.09 Back to Rory, and he has played a blinder out of the rough. Wonderful shot to within 18 inches and that is going to feel very sweet indeed. Rory completes the par. Rickie Fowler's made his par too. 18.07 Dustin Johnson, by the way, is having a mini-nightmare off the tee. Hit that stand on the 17th and now he's hit his tee shot on the 18th out of bounds. Sergio Garcia has whacked his tee shot into the rough as well. 18.04 Rory hits a nervy second though, into the rough on the right. He looks worried but hopefully, that isn't too thick in there. 18.02 After a fine approach, Sergio has a birdie chance on 17, I would suggest it is his last chance... He hits it. But it's nowhere near, really. That's surely it? Par but that's not going to be enough.

18.00 A rare conservative tee shot from Rory. Just drives it there or thereabouts on the fairway of the 17th and has given himself every chance. 17.58 Adam Scott is home with a 66. Had it not been for a double bogey on the 7th... Anyway, he finishes on 12-under. 17.56 Johnson was wild off the tee but got a lucky break off a stand. He's hacking all over the 17th. Sergio Garcia, though, is playing this delightfully, a good tee shot and a super second right into the green. 17.49 Rory has put his second onto the front of the green at 16, no dramas. Fowler is also aboard in some style. Here's Rory with the eagle putt. Ooh, it's just a couple of inches shy. Rory seems relaxed now, as much as you can be relaxed in this sort of situation. Settles for birdie, as does Fowler. 17.48 Anyway, whether for a gypsy's or to thump someone in the crowd, Sergio is back in business and has birdied the 16th.

Meanwhile, Jim Furyk has finished with a birdie, and a 65, and is currently on -13, alongside Fowler. 17.47 Oh, BBC commentator woman has changed her mind about Sergio and says "it was for an urgent pit stop". There's some typically Allis-ian BBC2 teatime tweeness and ah-ha-ha-ha-ing about this so I am assuming this is Golf Talk for him needing to go for a pee. Not quite so dramatic, then. 17.43 Sergio Garcia has gone into the crowd. According to the BBC, to remonstrate with a spectator. Woah! 17.42 Wind coming from the left, downwind. Rory has given that the TREATMENT! Blimey he hit that hard. He's put himself in a wonderful position with that. Should be a birdie at worst from there. Rory's pointed someone in the crowd out to the stewards. 17.41 Bit of congestion on the course, delay before Sergio hits his second onto the green at 16. Sergio will have an eagle chance. Rory has a long wait before he can play.

17.40 Darren Clarke is within an inch of an eagle at the last and cards a disappointing 73. 17.35 Sergio has hit that 16th tee shot really hard, as if taking out his frustration on it. Tell you what, Johnson's was a MONSTER though. 366 yards. 17.33 Here's Rory on the 15th. That will do it. Nicely onto the green and he has two puts from not all that far. Should - should - be regulation. He needs both of the two puts in the end but that's not the end of the world. He's three up with three to play. Rickie Fowler, by the way, has made his third birdie of the day. 17.32 Graeme McDowell finishes with three birdies a par and an eagle, showing that there are scoring chances at the end of this course. 17.31 Sergio Garcia drops a shot at the shortest hole on the course. The gap is back to three shots 17.29 I reckon that's the Open. Sergio has failed to get out of that bunker first time.

Poor bunker shot, just didn't get hold of it and he needs a second effort to escape the sandtrap. The first one was a howler to be honest. It wasn't even close to getting out. ...but then... 17.25 Sergio stands on the 15th tee, the easiest par three on the course. He's donked it right into a nasty looking bunker. Shocker. 17.22 No frills from Rory as he finds the edge of the green with his second on the 14th. Garcia just parred the same hole. Rory had a very long put for birdie but he will be pleased enough with a par on that tricky hole. Just four more holes, Rory. Four more. Fowler also makes par Rory -16 Leishman -12 Furyk -12 17.18 Marc Leishman rattles an eagle chance just wide on the 18th, he makes the birdie without problems and he will return to the clubhouse as out clubhouse leader on 12-under with eight birdies and a bogey in his round of 65.

17.17 Fowler with a so-so tee shot on 14. Can Rory do any better on this, the hardest hole on course? Decent. 17.15 Rory had a very hard one, 15 footer up the hill, for par on 13 and it never looked especially likely. He's dropped a shot 17.10 But Rory recovered pretty well from that, thrashing it out and getting a stroke of luck that it doesn't run out the back into the bunker. Both the last two pairs have underclubbed a bit coming into this wind 17.08 Standing on the 13th tee, Rory McIlroy has a six iron into the wind, 183 yards to hit it, and six more holes in which to hold this three-shot lead. Or any sort of lead, who cares. BUT! He's made a huge pig's ear of this, wide and short and into some alarming-looking rough. 17.06 Another break for Sergio Garcia on 13, when he leaves his tee shot just a few feet away from the steep bunker that guards the front of the par three.

He chips to within a couple of feet and wraps up a par. He's five-under for the day, and you cannot say fairer than that but he's running out of holes a bit. Dan LaChance with a lovely email. He can come again. Alan - thank you so much for reporting on the Open. Not only do we appreciate the timely details, but your writing is spectacular. I became a much bigger Rory fan after serving as his Walking Scorer for the USGA on Sunday at the 2013 U.S. Open. I still relish that Father's Day hug of appreciation he gave me, for volunteering, after he had a tough round. 17.04 Rory McIlroy makes a no-nonsense par on 12. He had a long putt for birdie but leaves it slightly short. 17.02 Rickie Fowler's challenge has never really gotten going. Another man who hasn't set the world on fire this afternoon is Johnson, who was one over for the front nine but has birdies on 10 and 12 to put him one under.

17.00 Rory on the 12th, perfect tee shot and just presents the second shot nicely to the heart of the green. 16.50 Amazing! Sergio Garcia hits the ball terribly, with his second on the 12, 40 yards off the target and it pings into a grandstand to cries as "fore!" It hits something, happily not someone, with a resounding clonk and bounces out handily right back into a nice lie on the edge of the green. Ha. Can Sergio make the most of that stroke of luck? He can! He's got a par on that hole and he remains three behind Rory. The wind's getting up a bit. 16.49 Ryan Moore has eagled in from 100 yards on the 16th. 16.47 Impressed by Rory's guts after bogeying two holes in a row and seeing the lead cut to just two shots. He's there or thereabouts on the 11th and using the putter from the edge of the green. But he's left that a little short and there's work to do to make his par.

Folwer with a similar shot but he plays his better and is home and hosed. Rory has an eight footer for par... It's going to move right.... He knocks it in like he was jsut having a laugh in his living room with a cup. Well done Rory. 16.45 Leishman has birdied the 15th and moves to 10 under. 16.40 Sergio's tee shot on 11 is in the first cut down the right, just about away from the nasty stuff and he is able to find the very back of the green with the second. Heroic putt from Sergio, breaks loads from the left and skims the edge of the hole. He remains three shots behind. 16.38 So the state of play... Rory -17 (10) Sergio -14 (11) Fowler -12 (10) 16.33 But Rory has put his second shot on the green at the tenth and will have a (very long) eagle try. Ditto Fowler. Boy, this is a good effort and it's maybe just six inches wide. That's a birdie in the hand.

Fowler should also leave this hole with a birdie. He does. 16.31 But here's Garcia with an eagle putt on the tenth.... Sergio.... makes it. Sergio moves to 14-under and he is jut two shots behind Rory now. 16.29 Karlsson, who was coming with a run, tries to chip up a bank and it hardly moves an inch. Oh dear. Just rolls up the bank a bit and dribbles back. Well, we've all done it. He eventually gets the chip to within a foot but he has dropped two shots. 16.27 Rory, hopefully settled by that, has banged in a solid drive on the tenth. Fowler also with a nice first shot. Rory seems to have a bit more of a spring in his step now. 16.25 Having had a put for an eagle, Dubuisson has to settle for a par on ten. 16.22 Here is Rory on the ninth. Excellent tee shot on the par three. Good stuff. He's perhaps 20 feet from the pin and a chance to finish the front nine with what would be a hugely inspiring birdie.

He's taking his time to line this up, no bad thing, he was rattling through the holes that he bogeyed... Lot of break from right to left on it... He's got it! Well done Rory. That's massive, restores his lead to four shots. 16.18 Robert Karlsson has eagled the tenth! He did the same on the fifth as well and that's taken him to -11. 16.15 Sergio wraps it up on the ninth with a short putt. He's out in three-under par. 16.14 Back to Rickie Fowler, who hasn't quite got going yet today. A decent putt, he should finish that okay, and indeed he does. Rory McIlroy also pars that 8th. 16.10 Sorry cannot remember if I said, but Shane Lowry's had a storming round, a seven-under 65. 16.07 Here's Fowler teeing off on the 8th. Down the midde, it's a blind tee shot. Rory also with a decent effort and they're both sitting pretty here. Rory with 178 yards to go.

Both on the green but Rory quite a lot closer. We'll come back to them in a minute. 15.57 Decent tee shot from Rory on seven, and that leaves him maybe 140 yards with a sand wedge for his second shot. But he's stuck it in a bunker. Good recovery shot from the bunker, excellent in fact, and should be a tap-in from here. Rory badly needs to save his par here after two bogeys. Does. He's one over for the day but that was a good up-and-down. 15.55 F Molinari with an eagle on the last, posting a 67 and installs himself as the clubhose leader. Willie Hanna writes: I'm an Ulsterman, stuck in Bangladesh, where I can't see Rory on the TV. So I'm counting on you to please keep your keyboard dry, and your eye on the ball, so that I can share this historic round. 15.52 You can sense some neves in the crowd now as Rory gets ready for a big tee shot on the seventh having seen his lead cut from six to three in the first six holes.

Howard Castle-Smith is keeping the faith: I don't think Rory will blow it. He had his big blow up at the Masters a few years back. He then managed to put that behind him, which cannot have been easy, and went on to land two majors. He will keep it together and this tremendous crowd at Hoylake will help. 15.50 Here is Rory on the sixth, five feet below the putting surface as he tries to chip it up onto the green. He and Fowler both have roughly similar distance putts for par but Fowler is the far side of the hole, as it were. He's nailed that! Excellent putt to stay 11-under. Actually Rory's is closer, needs this to save par but he has put that wide. Nerves around the crowd now. Rory with back-to-back bogeys. Rory -15, Sergio -12. 15.48 Phil Mickelson back in the hutch, "coming back here as the defending champ is such a great feeling, people treat us so well here." He's shot a very respectable 68 today.

"Last year's victory just makes me even hungrier." 15.45 Dubuisson has hit the flag with a chip. 15.43 Rory McIlroy has missed that par putt and he's got a bogey six on the fifth hole. Rory McIlroy -16, Sergio Garcia -12, Rickie Fowler -11 15.42 Garcia has to make a tester to makes his par on the sixth. He does. He stays at 12-under. 15.41 Tricky shot and Rory gets it out but he's left himself a nasty up and down, having to chip off a ridge. Still, this is he par five remember so Rory has, what, about a 14-footer for his par. Great bunker shot from Rickie to get onto the green. 15.37 Shane Lowry has gone birdie-birdie on 15 and 16 and he's moved to -9. 15.34 First moment of alarm from Rory, he's hit his second right near the grandstand, hit is slightly thin out of the rough at the edge of the fairway. He'll have to drop it out from here.

15.32 Rory's lead is cut to five because Sergio Garcia has just knocked in a short putt on the fifth and that gives him three birdies in the first five holes to move to -12. 15.25 God in heaven I have just chucked an entire cup of tea all over the keyboard and desk. You would not think that there could actually BE that much liquid in just one small paper cup. Finally got some use out of that Business Section mind you. I'm sure it's a wonderful read actually. I'm just too thick. Anyway, apologies for the delay. Fortunately, Rory is conducting himself with considerably more composure. He's parred two, three and four and launched a monster drive down the centre.

Kenny Punpin writes: I believe in him an six short lead will also giv him confidence of winning dis British open,so I wish him all d best .................my advice 4 him is jst to be focus an keep the head down 15.19 Angel Cabrera puts the finishing touches to a 67 15.18 Both McIlroy and Fowler using a sand wedge on the fourth, but it's the Northern Irishman who nails it, Fowler's has run on a bit. 15.15 All of the last 8 groups to start this afternoon currently have at least one man under par for their round. 15.11 So many players rattling in birdies that it's hard to keep up! Marc Leishman has birdied 4,5,6,8 and he's got himself in the mix at nine under, four under for the day. 15.10 Rory's chipped that from the edge of the green to a couple of feet. 15.08 Dubuisson the latest to birdie. We're seeing some classy golf today, albeit in friendly conditions.

15.07 Rory's off the back edge of the green on the third. 15.05 Nobody giving Rory an easy ride. Here's Sergio Garcia with a long putt on the third, all of 30 feet, and he's got that to move into joint second on -11. 15.03 HOT start from Robert Karlsson, he's had two birdies and an eagle in the first five holes and he joins Sergio Garcia on -10 15.00 Jim Furyk has hit the flag with his second shot on the par five fifth and knocks the putt in for an eagl! 14.59 Fowler has chances here on the second (see pic). Big putt. Nails it! Birdie for him. Rory has to make do with a par and it's: Rory McIlroy -17 Rickie Fowler -11 14.56 Ryan Moore with a lovely breaking putt to give himself a birdie and move to seven under. 14.55 Fowler hits a 162-yard nine iron to within a few feet on the second.

&amp;lt;noframe&amp;gt;Twitter: Larry Ryan - Some people's enjoyment of the British Open is marred because there is nobody left calling it the British Open that they can correct.&amp;lt;/noframe&amp;gt; 14.52 Rory on the second. Nicely judged, just 25 yards short of the bunkers. Rickie cut that a little finer but both a-ok so far on the second. 14.49 That's brilliant from McIlroy, who finds the green with his second and then drains a super, ooh, 18-footer for birdie and he moves to -17. Fowler cannot make the birdie of his own. 14.48 Cabrera has an eagle put for three at the 16th... has to settle for birdie. He's seven-under. 14.47 Sergio Garcia has birdied the first and moves to ten under. 14.44 Rickie Fowler with a fine second shot, finds the green. 14.43 McDowell has an eagle chance on the fifth. Just wide. 14.39 Rory has slaughtered that drive!

Right down the middle, splits the fairway and that's a real statement shot from the Northern Irishman. 14.38 Rickie begins his challenge with a solid thump down the middle, couldn't ask for more. 14.36 Rickie of course to play first. Rory has got the driver out! 14.35 Rickie Fowler on the tee. Rory walking over to join him. Brisk pace. Looks pumped, possibly a little charged up? Relaxing now as he shakes the hand of his opponent. 14.34 Nice put Adam Scott, a three on the second and that's him to seven under. 14.33 Bad start for the flamboyant Frenchie Dubuisson as he slides his par putt just wide of the hole. 14.30 Just ten minutes until Rory goes off. A bit of final work on the putting green. Meanwhile, Dustin Johnson is on the tee. He's seven shots behind. Away nice and safely. And here's Sergio Garcia, described by the BBC Tv lady as "the popular Sergio Garcia." Speak for yourself.

14.25 Here's a nice email from Dave Matthews Alan, I have had the pleasure of meeting Rory twice in 4 years by pure chance, while he had popped back to Holywood G.C. As a fellow N Ireland man and a 21 handicap golfer, it always gives me great pleasure following him during his highs and lows and i am convinced he is a 'good lad'. From humble beginnings like the majority of N Ireland folk, he has worked extremely hard, supported by his parents who worked more than one job to fund his development and trips in his younger days so that they all can now live a wonderful life- a fairytale life that they deserve and many envy. He is able to make time for the younger players taking them out for a knock around Holywood GC when he comes home. It seems that he has not forgotten his roots and now that his focus is completely back on the game, all of us golfers (and non golfers) here in Northern Ireland will be rooting for him to hold it together today so when he walks up the 18th tee he is the clear winner. Come on Rory!!!

14.20 Frenchman Victor Dubuisson is prepared to go for broke though, he's got the driver out on the first and he's got an okay lie in some rough to the left. 14.16 Jimmy Walker has gone birdie-birdie on three and four. 14.10 Adam Scott is on the tee. He's taking the sensible option on the first, which is a long iron. The first is playing second toughest in the infants of the holes on the course today so the conservative choice is the correct one. No nonsense from Scott. Matteo Mannasero, his playing partner, is into the rough though. 14.00 Keegan Bradley with a MONSTER birdie on seven. 13.58 Well done Chris Wood! He's made four birdies in the last four holes and he's shot a 65, the low round of the week. That will make some of the Rory challengers think "hey you know what..." 13.57 The admirable Paul Casey finishes his day's work and he is level par for the Championship.

13.56 Chris Wood tries to close out a super day with a very long putt, from the fringe of the green. Leaves it close enough to have chances of making the putt for birdie. 13.55 There's going to be some good scores today. People are doing well, especially on the first ten holes. 13.50 An email arrives from Niamh Egan, who writes: Here at the Leinster Football Final in Croke Park, Dublin and reading with great interest your updates - keep it up! In some trying moments yesterday, Rory still managed to play the perfect shot to take him out of trouble. Today, I feel that he will reach perfection and don't be surprised if that record of 65 is smashed! #rorytorunriot Enjoy the action! 13.43 Phil Mick pulls up in his drive because of camera noise. 13.42 Something of an Allis bingo moment there as he uses the expressions "things not as they were" and "of course in the old days..." in one sentence. 13.40 They're not a stylish lot, are they? Golfers, I mean. Here's Rickie Fowler.

13.35 Chris Wood is having a very handy day, he's just hit three birdies in a row and he's six-under for the day and four-under for the Championship. 13.30 Rory's had a few practice putts and is on the driving range now. He tees off at 14.40. 13.25 Here is Tom Watson after his round. 13.12 Birdies going in, we could see some low scoring today. The Open record around here is 65, set in 2006 by a group of players including Woods, Els and Garcia. 13.10 Koumei Oda and Brendon Todd are both five-under for the day. Tom Watson home with a four-under 68. Marvellous effort from the 64-year-old. If Rickie Fowler could shoot a five or six under... 13.07 Tiger just about manages to acknowledge a generous reception as he walks up the 18th fairway, half raising his left hand. He finishes off his round, carding 75 and looks in slightly better spirits now that it's over.

13.06 Phil Mickelson just misses with a par putt on the seventh. 13.05 Tiger Woods tees off on the last and makes a hash of it. 13.03 Here is Rory arriving. A flunky hands him a white Nike baseball cap as he shuts the car door. Heaven forfend that he should not be advertising when on camera. 13.00 Scotland's Stephen Gallacher gets a nice hand on the first tee. Into the rough on the left. Andrew Holgate writes: 8 over round Hoylake? I'd take that! 12.58 Shane Lowry with an unlucky putt on the thirf that goes in, literally runs all the way around the lip and then comes out again the way it came. 12.52 Darren Clarke, wearing a black ribbon as are many of the players today in memory of Bob Torrance, says that "Rory will be hard to catch in this form. But the wind is blowing in a different direction today so none of us really know how the course is playing." 12.50 Angel Cabrera with a putt on the fifth for a second consecutive birdie and then a par-saver on the sixth.

12.40 Tiger though has had another bogey at 14 and is now four-over. 12.35 Becoming ghoulishly fascinated by Gibson. He's clawed one back and is now seven-over. 12.15 The group of players on -3 are about to go off. That section of the board includes Francesco Molinari. Big brother Edoardo, on seven-under, is one of the few with a very outside chance if Rory were to have a 'mare. 12.05 Poor Rhein Gibson, pictured here teeing off on the fifth, is a sickening eight-over par for the day. He got lucky, as it were, on the 13th with a birdie though but a triple bogey on the seventh has done for him. Just one of those days I guess. He's playing the 16th now. 12.00 The first men back in the clubhouse are Charley Hoffman, who shot a 71 today and ends up five over par for the Championship. Billy Hurley III has also run his race and he's four-over for the tournament. 11.55 The Tiger has slumped to two over for the day.

He's tied for the prestigious 67th place award. Oh dear. 11.50 If Rory's dad wanted to press up with his bet, he could bet on his kid at the not-very-tempting odds of 1/8. Think I'd just stick with the 100 quid to win 50 grand if I were him. 11.40 The question of the day, of course, is whether Rory can tough it out. Adam Wolstenholme reckons that the pressure might be too much. I can see Rory blowing up today and letting Rickie in to win. The pressure is too much for Rory and the hype and expectation will get to him. Also Caroline Wozniacki's comments and tweets will get under his skin. 11.30 Thomas Bjorn is off and running and has two birdies in his pocket already, on the par four fourth and the par five fifth. That takes him to one-under for the Championship. Power Rankings: The Open Power Rankings Sign up, get the latest advice EQUIPMENT REPORT Rickie Fowler has finished in the top five twice in five Open starts.

(Andrew Redington/Getty Images) Prior to Rory McIlroy's withdrawal from The Open Championship, the focus was on Jordan Spieth's pursuit of the third consecutive leg of the Grand Slam. And before that, changes made to The Old Course at St. Andrews were projected to get the most attention in advance of the 144th edition of the season's third major. However, as with any well-supported narrative, there's room for all tales to be interwoven. No, the defending champion (McIlroy) won't be strolling the vastness of the fairways and double greens at the home of golf, but he still lays claim to one badge that Spieth has yet to collect: World's top-ranked golfer. But should Spieth win, he'll have that, too. And while Ben Hogan is the only golfer to win the first three majors in a single season, in 1953, there isn't anything about what Spieth is (or isn't) doing that suggests that he can't equal the achievement. This is the 29th time that St. Andrews has played host to The Open Championship.

Since its debut in 1873, only once did more than eight years pass between editions. A 10-year hiatus prior to the 12th hosting in 1921 was due in part to a five-year stretch of the tournament not being contested during World War I. St. Andrews is a par 36-36--72 but it features only two par 3s and two par 5s. With modifications to 10 holes since is lasted hosted in 2010, including updates to Hell Bunker (14th hole) and the Road Hole bunker (17th hole), the aggregate yardage is down eight yards to 7,297. From a strategic standpoint, navigating St. Andrews is all about course management and short game. Finding generous fairways and massive greens are expected. En route to his seven-stroke romp in 2010 in which he was fortunate to post very early in the second round and prior to gusty winds, Louis Oosthuizen led the field in putts per greens in regulation (1.746) and putts per round (29.75).

That latter stat would currently rank 173rd on the PGA TOUR! So, toss on a boatload of patience as the field is going to total an above-average number of strokes on the greens. Of all courses played in 2010, St. Andrews ranked highest in putts per round (32.38), birdies-or-better percentage (21.69), one-putt percentage (26.78) and three-putt avoidance (7.57). It ranked second in scrambling at just 46.55 percent. The course is included in the rotation of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the European Tour. The entire field gets one spin around before the cut after which all play it again in the finale. So, European-based talent will have a working, course advantage not to mention a feel for what are usually slower greens on the continent. And it wouldn't be an Open Championship without the elements. Rain covers the forecast with the greatest threat on Friday. Gradually increasing winds are also expected into Saturday. Things may settle for the final round on Sunday.

However, it's Scotland, so the field of 156 will be letting the weather come to it by the hour. POWER RANKINGS: The Open Championship Rank Jordan Spieth Prior to arriving on Monday, played St. Andrews just once (in 2011), but has an affinity for it. Four wins in last 12 starts. Clear-cut favorite. Prior to arriving on Monday, played St. Andrews just once (in 2011), but has an affinity for it. Four wins in last 12 starts. Clear-cut favorite. 2 Rickie Fowler Silencing his loudest critics with wins at THE PLAYERS and links-style Gullane GC last week. Two top fives in this tournament as well. Silencing his loudest critics with wins at THE PLAYERS and links-style Gullane GC last week. Two top fives in this tournament as well. 3 Dustin Johnson Sparkling record in The Open converges with a T2 at Chambers Bay. Proven talent in poor conditions, too. Life balance is a bonus. Sparkling record in The Open converges with a T2 at Chambers Bay. Proven talent in poor conditions, too. Life balance is a bonus.

4 Henrik Stenson Shared third place here in 2010; solo second at Muirfield in 2013. Rested since a solo second in Germany three weeks ago. No weaknesses. Shared third place here in 2010; solo second at Muirfield in 2013. Rested since a solo second in Germany three weeks ago. No weaknesses. 5 Hideki Matsuyama Arrives having connected nine top 25s since a T4 at Riviera five months ago. Off since a T18 at Chambers Bay. Fifth in the all-around ranking. Arrives having connected nine top 25s since a T4 at Riviera five months ago. Off since a T18 at Chambers Bay. Fifth in the all-around ranking. 6 Adam Scott Finally turned the corner at Chambers Bay (T4) with Steve Williams back on the bag. Top fives in the last three Open Championships. Finally turned the corner at Chambers Bay (T4) with Steve Williams back on the bag. Top fives in the last three Open Championships. 7 Brandt Snedeker Four top 10s upon arrival and playing alongside his idol, Tom Watson.

Putting stroke is built for slow greens. T3 and T11 in two of last three Opens. Four top 10s upon arrival and playing alongside his idol, Tom Watson. Putting stroke is built for slow greens. T3 and T11 in two of last three Opens. 8 Paul Casey Since a T3 here in 2010, he went into a tailspin, but the Brit has once again found his balance. Six top 10s in last 12 starts. Ninth in adjusted scoring. Since a T3 here in 2010, he went into a tailspin, but the Brit has once again found his balance. Six top 10s in last 12 starts. Ninth in adjusted scoring. 9 Phil Mickelson Only three top 10s in 19 appearances, but that includes the 2013 title, a T2 (2011) and a solo third (2004). Three top fives since the Masters. Only three top 10s in 19 appearances, but that includes the 2013 title, a T2 (2011) and a solo third (2004).

Three top fives since the Masters. 10 Matt Kuchar An improving links player later in his career. Top 15s in The Open in 2012 and 2013. Chased a T12 at Chambers Bay with a T2 at the Scottish Open. An improving links player later in his career. Top 15s in The Open in 2012 and 2013. Chased a T12 at Chambers Bay with a T2 at the Scottish Open. 11 Sergio Garcia Eight top 10s in his last 14 starts in this major; T2 last year. Inclement conditions can neutralize good putters, which would benefit him. Eight top 10s in his last 14 starts in this major; T2 last year. Inclement conditions can neutralize good putters, which would benefit him. 12 Zach Johnson Consistently strong irons have yielded eight straight cuts made in The Open, four for top 20s. T3 at John Deere is ninth top 20 in last 11 starts.

Consistently strong irons have yielded eight straight cuts made in The Open, four for top 20s. T3 at John Deere is ninth top 20 in last 11 starts. 13 Francesco Molinari Top 15s in last two Opens and in a groove since mid-May with four top-six finishes. Feeding off that confidence in inclement weather is invaluable. Top 15s in last two Opens and in a groove since mid-May with four top-six finishes. Feeding off that confidence in inclement weather is invaluable. 14 Victor Dubuisson A T10 at the Scottish Open is his third straight top 20 in as many weeks. Given his injury concern, that'll work. T9 at Royal Liverpool last year. A T10 at the Scottish Open is his third straight top 20 in as many weeks. Given his injury concern, that'll work. T9 at Royal Liverpool last year. 15 Jason Day With vertigo under control, can go after his first top 25 at The Open in earnest. He's 4-for-4 as he continues to learn the ground game.

With vertigo under control, can go after his first top 25 at The Open in earnest. He's 4-for-4 as he continues to learn the ground game. 16 Branden Grace The 2012 Dunhill Links champ scored just OK at St. Andrews, but nothing replaces confidence here. Multiple winner worldwide. T4 at U.S. Open. The 2012 Dunhill Links champ scored just OK at St. Andrews, but nothing replaces confidence here. Multiple winner worldwide. T4 at U.S. Open. 17 Charl Schwartzel Still quite relevant despite underwhelming year. Solo seventh at Chambers Bay; top 20s in four of last five Open Championships. T14 here in 2010. Still quite relevant despite underwhelming year. Solo seventh at Chambers Bay; top 20s in four of last five Open Championships. T14 here in 2010. 18 Tommy Fleetwood Co-runner-up (2014) and a pair of fifth-place finishes at the Dunhill Links. Strong 2015 include five top-11 finishes in last 10 starts.

Co-runner-up (2014) and a pair of fifth-place finishes at the Dunhill Links. Strong 2015 include five top-11 finishes in last 10 starts. 19 Shane Lowry Continues to perform with the confidence that coincides with his elevated stature on the global stage. T9 at Chambers Bay; T9 at last year's Open. Continues to perform with the confidence that coincides with his elevated stature on the global stage. T9 at Chambers Bay; T9 at last year's Open. 20

Question: Which European golfer was joint runner-up in the 2014 Open Golf Championship?
Answer: Sergio Garcia